Ovarian cysts
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac-like body in or on the surface of the ovary Females have two almond-shaped ovaries on either side of the uterus Ovaries form and mature in the ovary, which are released during the menstrual cycle during the fertile period.
Many women have ovarian cysts at some point in their lives The majority of ovarian cysts do not form a disc and are harmless The cyst usually disappears within a few months without treatment
However, ovarian cysts, especially those that have ruptured, sometimes cause serious symptoms. The best way to protect your health is to know the symptoms and signs that may indicate a serious problem Regular examination of the pelvic cavity is also necessary
Ovarian cysts are the result of the normal functioning of the menstrual cycle Such cysts are also called functional cysts Other types of cysts are rare
Functional cysts
Every month in the ovaries, a cyst-like structure - a follicle grows The follicles produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone and release the egg for ovulation. In some cases, the normal monthly follicle continues to grow This condition is called a functional cyst There are two forms of functional cyst:
- Follicular cyst Around the middle of the menstrual cycle, the egg detaches from the follicle and travels down the fallopian tube to meet sperm for fertilization. A follicular cyst forms when a follicle does not rupture and release an egg. Instead, it continues to grow and transform into a cyst
- Cyst of the corpus luteum When the follicle ruptures and releases the egg, it begins to release large amounts of estrogen and progesterone to fertilize the egg. At this stage, the follicle is called the corpus luteum In some cases, the oviduct closes and fluid collects in the follicle, causing the corpus luteum to enlarge and become a cyst.
The fertility drug clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene), which is used to stimulate ovulation, increases the risk of the corpus luteum becoming a cyst after ovulation. Such cysts do not pose a threat to pregnancy
Functional cysts are usually harmless, rarely cause pain, and often disappear on their own after 2-3 menstrual cycles.
Other types of cysts Some forms of cysts are not related to the normal functioning of the menstrual cycle. Such cysts are:
- Dermoid cysts Such cysts may contain tissues such as hair, skin, or teeth, because these tissues are formed from the same cells that produce eggs. Dermoid cysts are rarely malignant
- Cystadenomaa Such cysts form in the ovarian tissue and may be filled with watery fluid or mucus.
- Endometriomas Such cysts are formed as a result of endometriosis Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial cells grow outside the uterus Some of these tissues may attach to the ovary and form a cyst
Dermoid cysts and cystadenomas reach large sizes As a result, they may push the ovary and change their position in the pelvis This condition increases the risk of painful ovarian torsion
Most cysts have no symptoms and disappear on their own A large ovarian cyst may cause discomfort in the abdomen A large cyst pushes up on the bladder and therefore the patient may have the urge to urinate more often as the bladder's capacity decreases.
Symptoms of ovarian cysts can be:
- Pelvic pain - a dull ache that radiates to the lower back or thighs
- Pelvic pain before or after menstruation
- Pelvic pain during sex (dyspareunia)
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency medical help if you experience:
- Sudden, severe pain in the pelvis or abdomen
- Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
